Chapter 22: Using Annotations and Symbols
Cross-Reference
Sketch blocks are covered in some detail in Chapter 3. This chapter is limited to a discussion of blocks that may
be found on drawings rather than those used in model sketches or Layouts. nEditing blocks
Although you do not have many options when creating blocks, many more options become avail-
able when you edit them. You can access editing options for a block from four locations:l (^) The Edit Block toolbar button on the Blocks toolbar
l The Edit button in the Block PropertyManager
l (^) Choosing Tools ➪ Block ➪ Edit from the menus
l From the RMB menu of the block in the Blocks folder in the drawing FeatureManager
The standard edit function gives you access to the sketch and note elements that make up the block.
l Add/Remove Entities. While you are editing the block, the Add/Remove Entities button
on the Blocks toolbar becomes available. This enables you to add or remove sketch or note
entities from the block definition.
l^ Rebuild. Rebuild Blocks reapplies sketch relations within the block, without exiting Edit
Block mode.
l^ Explode. Explode is available when you are not editing the block, but when it is selected.
Explode returns the contents of that particular instance of the block to the drawing,
removing them from the block. This removes any leaders that are attached to the block,
as well as sketch relations. This is not technically an edit option, but it certainly does
change things.
Using Symbols
SolidWorks symbols are different from symbols that are a part of a font family. SolidWorks sym-
bols fall into several categories, including weld, surface finish, hole, modifying symbols, GD&T
(geometric dimensioning and tolerancing), and several flag symbols. You can also construct custom
symbols.
Using symbols in notes and dimensions
You can use symbols in notes and dimensions. They also are an intrinsic part of weld symbols and
surface finish symbols. Hole Callouts use symbols extensively, as do GD&T frames.
Figure 22.13 shows the Text Format panel from the Note PropertyManager and the Dimension
Text panel from the Dimension PropertyManager. Both of these interfaces give you access to the
symbol library.